An elected Liberal Nationals Government will boost employment opportunities for Victorians with a disability, supporting social enterprises to start-up and expand.

Nationally, about 50 per cent of people with a disability participate in the workforce, compared with 83 per cent of people with no reported disability.

Disability social enterprises are proving to be an effective source of employment in many communities, but there is more we can do to support growth in this sector.

An elected Liberal Nationals Government will establish a new $10 million fund to support disability social enterprises to start-up and expand, helping Victorians with a disability to gain meaningful work and build self-confidence and self-esteem.

Half of the fund will be earmarked to empower social enterprises to develop or expand operations in the recycling industry – with a specific focus on e-waste recycling.

We will partner with disability service providers and other suitable agencies to assist with start-up and expansion costs to create good, secure jobs for people with a disability. Grants will be provided on a matching basis, enabling $20 million of investment.

Successful social enterprises already operate in Victoria, including coffee shops, op-shops, Laundromats and nurseries, but high start-up costs are preventing more from entering the sector.

Lack of employment can lead to welfare dependency, depression and associated mental health problems.

Daniel Andrews and Labor have failed to actively address poor employment rates and it’s clear more must be done to support Victorians with a disability and their families.

Only a Liberal Nationals Government will boost opportunities for people with a disability to help them to live independently and get in control of their future.

Comments attributable to Shadow Minister for Disability Tim Bull

I have seen first-hand in my own family the positive benefits of the job opportunities offered through social enterprises.

These jobs boost confidence and independence, giving people with a disability control over their future.

We already have some very successful enterprises operating now and an elected Liberal Nationals Government will do more to create good, secure jobs for Victorians with a disability.

Wednesday, November 14, 2018